Chania: Catamaran Experience to Marathi Beach

This seven-hour catamaran trip from Souda Port in Crete offers a wonderful blend of relaxation and coastal adventure. It’s a great way to enjoy the island’s stunning sea views, soak up the sun, and explore the crystal-clear waters of Marathi Beach. The journey includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and a delicious, locally inspired lunch onboard — making it a full-day escape that appeals to both laid-back travelers and water enthusiasts.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances comfort with authentic exploration. The luxurious semi-private catamaran is a perfect setting for unwinding and admiring Crete’s coastline while also having enough time for water activities. That said, one potential consideration is the need to be comfortable with boats, as seasickness or non-swimmers might find the experience less suitable. This tour is a solid pick for anyone wanting a taste of Crete’s maritime beauty without the hassle of organizing separate boat trips or island-hopping.

This tour suits those who love a relaxed, scenic day on the water, enjoy swimming or snorkeling, and appreciate fresh, local food in a beautiful setting. Families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a well-organized day out in Crete will find it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Stunning Sea Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of Souda Bay and Marathi Beach.
• Relaxing Water Activities: Plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling with provided equipment.
• Authentic Local Cuisine: A delicious, freshly prepared lunch featuring Cretan flavors.
• Comfortable, Luxurious Setting: The semi-private catamaran offers a cozy yet spacious experience.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple pickup locations and a detailed itinerary to maximize your day.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Likely a small, intimate group, perfect for personalized attention.

The Experience in Detail

The journey begins early, with pickup options at SanSal Boutique Hotel, a bus stop at Agora, or Talos Square, making it relatively easy to find a convenient meeting point. From there, you’re whisked to Souda Port where the catamaran awaits. The boat itself is described as semi-private and luxurious, which hints at a more intimate, less crowded feel than large group boats. The vessel’s design prioritizes comfort, with plenty of space to relax while enjoying the views of Souda Bay.

After a brief safety briefing and welcoming from the crew — who are typically friendly and attentive — you’ll start cruising through Souda Bay. This stretch offers military and merchant ships in the distance, but the real highlight is the sweeping views of the sea and surrounding mountains. As the boat gently moves along, you can settle into your seat, enjoy a drink, or simply gaze at the scenery.

The first major stop is Marathi Bay, a picture-perfect spot with calm, turquoise waters. Here, you’ll have roughly three hours to take part in swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging on the boat or sandy shore. Reviewers often mention the clarity of the water, which makes snorkeling a real treat — some even say “the best snorkeling I’ve had in Crete.” The water is shallow enough for kids and non-swimmers to enjoy, although non-swimmers should always be cautious and stay close to the boat.

A highlight of the day is the onboard lunch. The crew prepares a meal featuring local Cretan flavors, which means fresh ingredients, simple but flavorful dishes, and a chance to try authentic regional cuisine in a relaxed setting. Guests have praised the quality and freshness of the food, noting it’s a much-needed refreshment after swimming. This meal is more than just sustenance; it’s a taste of Crete itself.

Following lunch and some free time, the boat begins its return cruise through Souda Bay, stopping for another swim off the boat or a short walk along the shoreline. The second stop, near the Bay of Souda, lasts about two hours and typically includes a brunch, swimming, and more leisurely water activities. The cruise back offers yet more opportunities for sightseeing, with panoramic views of the coast and surrounding hills.

The final stretch lasts around 1.5 hours, giving everyone time to relax and reflect on the day before disembarking at the original pickup points, including Talos Square and the SanSal Boutique Hotel.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Souda Port: Starting point, where you’ll board the catamaran, and where the crew welcomes you with a warm, professional attitude. Expect safety instructions, a brief overview of the day, and a chance to settle into your seat.

Marathi Bay: The star of the trip — a tranquil, shallow cove with crystal-clear waters. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll get around three hours here, so bring your waterproof camera! Reviewers mention how peaceful and idyllic it is, making it a prime spot for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

Souda Bay (second stop): This is more of a brunch and swimming break, lasting about two hours. Guests often mention how the onboard meal here is delightful — fresh, flavorful, and a nice break from the sun. It’s also an opportunity to jump back into the water or unwind on the boat’s deck.

Return trip: The cruise back through the bay offers more scenic views and a chance to relax with a drink or chat with fellow travelers. Expect a total of around 7 hours from pickup to drop-off, making it a full but comfortable day.

The Value and Practicalities

For the price, this tour offers a lot: a semi-private yacht experience, snorkeling equipment, a freshly prepared Cretan meal, and transfer logistics—all wrapped into a well-organized package. While some reviews note that the group size is manageable and intimate, the emphasis on comfort and quality makes it stand out against more commercialized tours.

The duration — about 7 hours — is just right for a day of exploration without feeling rushed. You get to spend plenty of time at Marathi Beach, with the added bonus of cruising through scenic waters alongside knowledgeable crew members. Plus, the flexibility of booking and cancellation (up to 24 hours) adds peace of mind for travelers on uncertain schedules.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy relaxed, scenic days on the water. It’s well-suited for those who want to avoid overcrowded boat trips and prefer a more intimate, comfortable setting. Families with kids should be comfortable with swimming and boat safety, as the water activities are suitable for all ages. Couples and friends will appreciate the tranquil scenery and the opportunity to unwind in style.

If your main goal is to explore Marathi Beach’s beauty, enjoy some snorkeling, and indulge in fresh Greek cuisine, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s not for the thrill-seekers looking for high-adrenaline water sports, or for travelers prone to seasickness. Still, for those who love a chill day on the sea with a touch of luxury, it’s a winner.

Final Thoughts

This catamaran trip to Marathi Beach offers a well-rounded experience of Crete’s coastline. It combines the pleasure of sailing on a comfortable vessel with the chance to enjoy some of the clearest waters on the island. The inclusion of a fresh, regional lunch makes it more than just a boat ride — it becomes a taste of local life in Crete.

Perfect for those who value scenic beauty, relaxed cruising, and authentic flavors, this tour provides a peaceful yet engaging way to spend a day. The views alone make it worthwhile, and the water activities offer a refreshing break from land-based sightseeing.

In summary, if you’re after a high-quality day on the water that balances comfort, scenery, and local cuisine, this experience is a strong choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking a low-stress, picturesque outing that leaves plenty of room for relaxing and soaking up the stunning Greek coast.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transfers, cruising, stops, and meals.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Pickups are available at SanSal Boutique Hotel, Bus Stop Agora, or Talos Square. Arrive at Souda Port by 8:00 AM for boarding.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal items for swimming and sun protection.

Are the water activities suitable for kids?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and the calm waters at Marathi Bay are safe for children. Non-swimmers should exercise caution.

Is food included?
Yes, a freshly prepared lunch featuring local Cretan flavors is included, along with a brunch during the second stop.

How many people are on the boat?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, the vessel is described as semi-private, suggesting a smaller, more intimate group.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
It’s not ideal for non-swimmers unless they stay on the boat, as swimming and snorkeling are key parts of the experience.

What language is the tour guided in?
The guide speaks English, making it accessible for most travelers.

This catamaran experience to Marathi Beach offers a genuine taste of Crete’s coastal charm, combining scenic sailing with authentic local flavors and plenty of time in the water. Whether you’re a sun seeker or a water lover, it’s a day that promises relaxed enjoyment and memorable views.